So, you bought a frozen turkey. Congrats! That’s one thing you can mark off your Thanksgiving checklist. But remembering to thaw your turkey is something you wont want to forget! Luckily were here to help answer the question: How long does it take to thaw a turkey?
Whether youre short on time or planning ahead, we’ve broken down the best ways to thaw a frozen turkey. So, even first-time hosts (or seasoned veterans) can master the Thanksgiving turkey without any stress. All it takes is a foolproof formula based on the size of your turkey and some various thawing methods ahead. Learn how to thaw a turkey in the refrigerator, in cold water, or even in the microwave. But before the big day arrives, youll want to buy your bird either from the freezer aisle of your local supermarket or as a mail-order turkey. The USDA states that a turkey can be stored in the freezer indefinitely, but you should always plan to follow the pound-by-pound guidelines for safely thawing below.
Tip: Before you begin, keep the packaging for your turkey intact. Youll need to know the weight to calculate its thaw time. Then, once the turkey is thawed, youll need to brine it and cook it. Land on your preferred turkey recipes early so you have all the ingredients in place.
Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in America. Families and friends gather together to feast on delicious food and give thanks. The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal is the turkey. Getting your turkey just right is crucial to creating the perfect holiday feast. One important step is knowing exactly when you need to take the turkey out of the freezer to thaw.
Why Thawing is Essential
Turkeys are usually sold frozen, so they need ample time to defrost before cooking. Eating undercooked poultry can make you very sick, so properly thawing the turkey is a food safety must. Thawing not only ensures the meat cooks evenly, but it also improves the texture, allowing you to end up with a tender, juicy turkey.
Thawing Timeline
The timeline for thawing your turkey depends on a few factors:
- Weight – A larger turkey needs more time to thaw.
- Thawing method – Fridge thawing is slower than cold water thawing.
- Type of turkey – A fresh turkey may not need as much time to thaw as a frozen one.
Here are some general guidelines from the USDA:
- 8 to 12 pound turkey – 1 to 3 days in the fridge
- 12 to 16 pound turkey – 3 to 4 days in the fridge
- 16 to 20 pound turkey – 4 to 5 days in the fridge
- 20 to 24 pound turkey -5 to 6 days in the fridge
If you forget to start thawing early enough, you can submerge the turkey in cold water to speed up the process. Allow about 30 minutes per pound, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Thawing in the Refrigerator
The safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. This gradual method reduces bacterial growth.
When fridge thawing, plan ahead and make sure you have ample room. Keep the turkey in its original wrapper. Place it on a tray or in a pan to catch any juices that may drip. An average refrigerator keeps food right around 40°F, which is ideal for slow thawing.
Allow 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey A 16 pound turkey would need about 4 days in the fridge Check it periodically and remove any giblets if they were packed inside the bird,
As a rule of thumb, allow 1 day for every 4 pounds of turkey weight when fridge thawing. Make sure to factor in the size of your refrigerator. Allow extra time if you have a packed fridge and less circulation.
Thawing in Cold Water
If you’re short on time, thawing in cold water works in a pinch. This submersion method can cut thawing time to only a few hours.
Keep the turkey sealed in its packaging. Submerge it completely in cold tap water, allowing 30 minutes per pound. Change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold. For food safety, cook the turkey immediately after thawing in cold water.
While quick, cold water thawing has some downsides to consider:
- The turkey may absorb water, altering the flavor and texture.
- You’ll have to monitor it closely, changing the water consistently.
- Once thawed, bacteria can start growing so safe handling is critical.
Thawing in the Microwave
Microwave thawing is fastest, but not recommended. Partially cooked areas of the turkey could develop bacteria while sitting out. Microwaving may also alter the texture, especially on the outside.
If you do microwave thaw, cook the turkey immediately after and use a food thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe 165°F internally. You’ll also need to frequently pause and rotate the turkey for even thawing.
Key Things to Remember
- Always thaw in the refrigerator when possible. Fridge thawing is safest.
- Allow at least 24 hours per 4-5 pounds when fridge thawing.
- A 16 pound or larger turkey needs about 4 to 5 days minimum in the fridge.
- Change the water every 30 minutes if cold water thawing. Cook immediately after.
- Avoid thawing at room temperature or in hot water due to food safety concerns.
Plan Ahead!
The takeaway is that thawing your Thanksgiving turkey requires planning ahead. You’ll want to pick it up from the grocery store a few days early if using the refrigerator method. Last minute shoppers may need to resort to cold water thawing.
Check your freezer about a week before Thanksgiving. This gives you a chance to safely thaw larger birds in the refrigerator. You definitely don’t want to be trying to thaw a frozen solid turkey the day before!
So make sure to factor in size, method, and time needed when getting your turkey thawed. Proper thawing equals a tender, juicy bird ready for the big feast. With some advance planning, you’ll keep your gathering happy, safe, and well fed.
Thawing a turkey in cold water
If youre short on time, thawing a turkey in cold water is the best method to try. Its quicker than thawing in the fridge, but not quick enough to start on Thanksgiving morning, so be sure to still plan ahead. You should also keep in mind that the water-thawing method isnt exactly hands-off. In fact, it requires constant attention.
Keep the bird in its original packaging, or, if youve already removed it, place the turkey in an extra-large resealable plastic bag and seal it. Submerge the packaged turkey in a sink or large-enough bin filled with cold water, using a heavy pie plate or baking dish placed on top of the turkey to keep it submerged. Now heres the hard part: Youll have to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold so that the bird stays at a safe temperature. Expect this method to take most of the day. For a 15- to 16-pound bird, this process will take about eight hours and 16 changes of water.
How long does it take to thaw turkey?
There are three easy methods for thawing a turkey. If you plan to thaw it in the refrigerator, then you definitely dont want to wait until Thanksgiving morning! Considering the formula recommended by the USDA below, a 16-pound frozen turkey should thaw in the refrigerator for at least four days before its showtime—which means the Sunday before Thanksgiving would be the right time to start the thawing process. If you are cooking a larger bird (Ree Drummond has been known to cook a 20-pound turkey), plan on extra time for thawing. Or, check out the quicker thawing methods (in cold water or in the microwave) when youre in a pinch.
When should I take my turkey out of the freezer?
FAQ
How long should you take a turkey out of the freezer before cooking?
When should I start thawing my turkey?
How long to thaw a 20 lb turkey at room temperature?
Can you keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator for 4 days?
How do you freeze a frozen turkey?
Keep your turkey frozen at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit and then defrost it in the refrigerator, set to cool at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. Keep the turkey in its original wrapping and place it in a deep sheet pan or baking dish to catch any leaking liquids.
How long should you Thaw a frozen turkey?
The USDA recommends thawing a frozen turkey in the refrigerator, which translates to one day for each 4 to 5 pounds of weight. So for a 12-pound turkey that would imply at least three days of thawing, ideally with a bonus day thrown in. Here’s the thing, though. I simply don’t find that that’s enough. Ever.
How long does a frozen turkey last?
Keeping it in its original packaging, set your bird on a rimmed container to catch any juices. In a refrigerator set to 40 degrees F or below, it generally takes one day for every 4 pounds to thaw a fully frozen turkey. Once thawed, your turkey will keep in the fridge for up to two days.
Should you buy a frozen turkey?
Turkey is the undeniable star of the Thanksgiving show, and there are perks to buying a frozen one. According to the USDA, turkeys keep in the freezer indefinitely, although they advise cooking them within a year for best quality. The only catch with going frozen?